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National Barbecue Month: Summertime and the Grill'n is Easy!

Outdoor cooking remains more popular and easier than ever. In fact, the majority of Americans claim that some elements of cooking outdoors are even easier than cooking indoors (81%) and that they prefer cooking out over eating out to save money (71%), according to HPBA National Barbecue Month (NBM) Poll results.

Outdoor cooking is a very popular pastime that unites friends and family with great tasting food that’s easy and affordable. Sixty-four percent of adults agree, reporting that a barbecue is a better way to spend quality-time with their friends or relatives. And more than a third (36%) of adults associate barbecues with family tradition, according to the NBM Poll.

That’s why May is National Barbecue Month - there’s no better way to celebrate than taking it outdoors for a cookout with friends or family!

According to poll results, it’s no secret that Americans see grilling and outdoor cooking as the ticket to an easy, delicious meal and a healthier lifestyle:

Easy Does it. Eighty-one percent of Americans report that at least one aspect of grilling outside is easier than cooking indoors. The most convenient parts are cited as cleanup (49%) followed by the cooking process itself (40%).

Cooking Out Trumps Eating Out. The majority of adults (58%) agree that cooking out is more fun and relaxing than dining out and beneficial for avoiding travel (58%), dress codes (57%) and crowds (56%).

Healthier Choice. Seventy percent of Americans say cooking out gets them in a healthier routine, specifically by encouraging time spent outdoors instead of cooped up in the house. Outdoor cooking also encourages adults to make smarter food choices such as eating fresh rather than frozen foods (54% agreed) and cooking healthier food on the grill overall (40% agreed).

Got-to-have Gadgets. Accessories make already-convenient outdoor cooking even easier. When it comes to the go-to tools, Americans report top usage of:

tongs (77%),

spatula or brush (65%),

rubs and marinades (62%),

skewers (37%), and

baskets (20%).

Outdoor Cooking Goes SocialSocial media is growing as the preferred way to get the cookout word out. Nearly a quarter of Americans (23%) identified social media as the easiest way to invite friends and family to a barbecue.

This marks a 22% increase in consumer preference for social media invitations since 2009 (up from 1% two years ago), according to HPBA’s year-to-year national data comparisons.

Join the conversation with HPBA Barbecue – an integrated barbecue "Q"-mmunity on Facebook and Twitter!

About the Poll: The findings are taken from a survey of 1,000 people, conducted by the Polling Company™, Inc. from March 31 - April 3, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.